Everton fan who travelled from South Africa ‘shattered’ as derby is called off

An Everton fan who travelled from South Africa said his lifelong dream to watch his team play was “shattered” after the final league Merseyside derby at Goodison Park between Everton and Liverpool was postponed due to Storm Darragh.

High winds and rain have battered the west coast and the decision to call off the lunchtime kick-off was made early on Saturday morning.

Gareth Clark, 29, told the PA news agency he arrived in the UK from Cape Town on November 27th and has been staying in London, Liverpool and Edinburgh since then, with the Merseyside derby the highlight of his trip.

“It has been my lifelong dream to come and watch Everton, and I finally saved enough money to come and watch my first derby – and, of course, the final derby at Goodison. Also my first time that I have managed to come to the UK,” he said.

Mr Clark, a teacher, said he spent a “vast amount” of money on the trip, including around £750 (€904) for flights.

“More than the money, it is my lifelong dream that was shattered when I heard the news this morning,” he said.

Mr Clark said it was “extremely heartbreaking and hard to believe” when he first learned of the news that the event would be postponed.

“I felt just complete shock. It has been a fantastic trip so far, but obviously everything has just been leading up to the reason why I came and I didn’t really believe it and then the time ticks on, and you realise the game should have started over two hours ago.

“I flew into London and I visited a friend and whatnot but it was the real reason I came. Obviously you try and make the most of it, you don’t want to just fly in and out, especially because it’s my first time in the UK.”

He said that despite the disappointment, he “completely understands” the